The motto for the City of Thomson in the year 2005 could very well be "stay the course."

McDuffie's county seat is planning few big changes that residents haven't already been informed about. From water system upgrades to pet problems, Thomson's changes for the New Year are ones that have been in the works for a while.

"From the city's standpoint we've got a lot of projects on the boards that will be coming on line this coming year," said Thomson City Administrator Bob Flanders.

Those projects include the new Pelzer plant which is on track to begin operation by March and the redevelopment of the downtown area.

Thomson is working with the Department of Transportation on grants that will redesign the downtown area. Mr. Flanders hopes the engineering for those will be done this year.

McDuffie County has agreed to partner with Thomson on the redevelopment efforts, which, according to Mr. Flanders is a "good step forward for both of us."

Also new for 2005 is the recently-passed stray animal ordinance that will take effect in February. The animal control ordinance states all pets must have something to identify their owners that includes the name, address and telephone number.

Animals that appear to be stray and ones that damage property or chase people will be impounded and taken to the county's animal shelter. Owners of so-called "nuisance animals" can be ticketed.

Other projects in the works for the coming year have to do with expansion of services.

"As it seems to me, most of our issues are going to be growth related," Mr. Flanders said.

The city will be taking bids this month for repairs to the sewer system. Mr. Flanders said the repairs, which will begin in February, will probably cost several hundred thousand dollars.

Engineering is currently underway for both sewer and water system expansions, as well as a water plant expansion. Construction on the Warren County water cooperation is currently taking place. Also, this summer, construction on a water filtration system will begin.